Condensed Matter Seminar: The Percus – Yevick approximation, Can It predict phase transition from the liquid state into Random Close Packing of Hard spheres?

Abstract:

The Percus-Yevick approximation gives a good description of hard spheres in the liquid phase. Yet the approximation seems to lead to a very unacceptable result beyond that region. The pressure diverges only much above the closes packing density. Within the theory there seems to be no indication concerning the termination of the liquid state.

In this work we will point out an observation which was neglected in previous works. We will show that the Pecuse-Yevick approximation breaks down. The positive definite radial distribution function turns negative at some distance and at a critical value of the volume fraction. Furthermore, the critical values we find are consistent with values of onset of random close packing (or maximally random jamming state) volume fractions.

Seminar Organizer: Prof. Yoram Dagan